A sportsbook is a gambling establishment where customers place wagers on various sporting events. Its main responsibility is paying winning bettors. Winning bettors are paid as soon as the event ends or, if the game is not finished yet, when it becomes official. This is a key factor that attracts customers. Some sportsbooks offer multiple banking options, fast withdrawals, and secure betting software to ensure customer safety.

In a regulated market, sportsbooks must comply with state regulations. This requires implementing controls such as age verification, self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, and regular audits. These measures increase the credibility of a sportsbook and reduce its liability risk. In addition to these requirements, a sportsbook must have a high-risk merchant account to process customer payments. These accounts limit the choices of payment processors and have higher fees than low-risk counterparts.

Getting a license to operate a sportsbook is an expensive, time-consuming undertaking, but it provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are operating a safe and responsible business. Licensing also includes implementing controls and setting up compliance standards, which can require 18 months and a sizable investment.

A sportsbook’s reputation is largely determined by its customer service, so offering multiple banking options and quick payouts is essential. Most sportsbooks offer live chat and phone support to respond to customer queries, which boosts their faith in the brand. Additionally, many sportsbooks offer a variety of cryptocurrencies for sports betting such as Bitcoin to provide faster processing times and lower transaction charges.